Kathmandu unveils plans for new stores

Christchurch-based activewear label Kathmandu has announced plans to roll-out a number of new stores across Australia, New Zealand and the UK just weeks after being sold to a consortium of investors.
Goldman Sachs JBWere (GSJBW), together with Undercoverwear and Pumpkin Patch owner Quadrant Private Equity, parted with $NZ250 million ($A210 million) to purchase a 51 per cent stake in the privately-owned company late last month. The shares will be split evenly with Jan Cameron, the founder of the group, retaining a 49 per cent shareholding in the company.
While Cameron was unavailable for comment at the time of press, GSJBW managing director Clark Perkins said the private equity funds were attracted to the label because of its commanding market position, its defensive operating model and its strong branding.
Perkins said Kathmandu also had significant growth potential in both New Zealand and Australia.
"A comprehensive store roll-out program will be implemented in both countries. Additionally, there is strong potential to develop a significant business, from its current small presence, in the UK."
According the label's Australian website, Kathmandu began with a sewing machine in the back room of a medical student's flat where it was being used to make outdoor clothing and equipment for friends and family.
The medical studies were left behind for the climbing and mountaineering that was the true passion, and it was through expeditions into the mountains the idea of a better range of quality outdoor gear was born.
Today the brand operates 46 stores with 22 of these in Australia, 20 in New Zealand and a further four stores in the UK. The Kathmandu head office is still in Christchurch, with a second head office and distribution centre in Melbourne dedicated to looking after the Australian stores. Recently, a third distribution centre was acquired in London to assist with the growing number of stores in the UK.
The group's products include fleece, knit, thermal, seamsealed, woven, merino clothing and technical wear, as well as footwear, tents, sleeping bags and other outdoor and adventure accessories and equipment.